Single-sex schools outperform co-eds in 2023 NAPLAN results

Top single-sex government schools are outperforming their peers at co-ed campuses, an analysis of NAPLAN data has revealed. See where your school ranks.

Year 9 NAPLAN data showed Melbourne High was the state’s top performer. Picture: Alex Coppel

Victoria’s top single-sex government schools are outperforming their peers at co-ed campuses, an analysis of NAPLAN data has revealed.

A Herald Sun analysis of the 2023 Year 9 average NAPLAN data shows selective boys’ school Melbourne High achieved 704.4, making it the state’s top performer.

Selective government schools including Mac. Robertson Girls’ High School was ranked second, with an average NAPLAN score of 700.8, followed by co-ed schools Nossal High School (687.8) and Suzanne Cory High School (684.8).

Other standout schools include independent school Presbyterian Ladies’ College (671.2), charging an annual tuition fee of $32,888 for year 9 students.

Parents are also paying more than $20,000 for year 9 fees at high-achieving co-ed schools Ballarat Clarendon College (666.8) and Huntingtower School (653).

Meanwhile, Fintona Girls’ School, which has year 9 fees of more than $35,000, scored 660.

Melbourne High School principal Dr Tony Mordini said he was “really proud” of students and their continued efforts.

“I’m really encouraged by the staff and the parents who continue to support the students in their academic efforts,” Dr Mordini said.

One all-boys school exceeding standards is Catholic high school Parade College, with its year nine students scoring an average of 570.6.

Principal Mark Aiello attributed the school’s success to its diverse range of teaching and learning programs, as well as the support offered to students.

“Each student participates in a wide variety of learning opportunities to develop their skills in numeracy and literacy, and also in critical thinking and creative problem solving,” he said.

“While we encourage our students to achieve their personal best in NAPLAN, we don’t create undue pressure to perform.

“Centring the wellbeing of our students is always at the forefront of our teaching and learning programs.”

Parade College achieved great results in NAPLAN in 2023, with principal Mark Aiello attributing the all-boys school's success to the support and opportunities on offer at the school. Picture: Facebook

Almost three in four Year 9 students at the Edmund Rice school were either in the “exceeding” or “strong” proficiency levels for numeracy, while 77 per cent of students fell into these categories for writing.

The school recorded similar results in spelling, and also saw more than 60 per cent of its students score in the “exceeding” or “strong” categories for reading and writing.

But NAPLAN results aren’t all about success, with Parade College using the tests to identify which students might need additional support in certain subject areas.

“The teaching and learning team can work collaboratively with the wellbeing and learning diversity teams to ensure students are supported and appropriately challenged with their learning,” Mr Aiello said.

It comes after the Herald Sun revealed on Wednesday that parents were forking out up to $40,000 a year for their children to attend the most prestigious private schools in Victoria.

Some prestigious schools featured state-of-the-art facilities from Olympic-grade swimming pools to equestrian centres where students can bring their own horse,

This includes Scotch College’s $32 million art science centre, which is three-levels and has a semi-basement car park and rooftop teaching space.